No Documents, No Rights - Exploring agency and vulnerability in the experiences of irregular migrant women from Zimbabwe in South Africa

This research draws attention to the way irregular migrants in South Africa experience their journey towards a better life, the vulnerability they face, and their capacity to adapt and to be agents of change. Qualitative interviews were held with 10 irregular migrant women, which were analyzed through an analytical framework of vulnerability and agency, while keeping a focus on their illegal migrant status (irregular migrant). The research showed that their experience was highly affected by the irregular status, and the precarious and vulnerable situation they lived in. Not having a passport or permit to work impacted their journey into the country, their living- and working conditions and their own physical and psychological well-being.... (More)

This research draws attention to the way irregular migrants in South Africa experience their journey towards a better life, the vulnerability they face, and their capacity to adapt and to be agents of change. Qualitative interviews were held with 10 irregular migrant women, which were analyzed through an analytical framework of vulnerability and agency, while keeping a focus on their illegal migrant status (irregular migrant). The research showed that their experience was highly affected by the irregular status, and the precarious and vulnerable situation they lived in. Not having a passport or permit to work impacted their journey into the country, their living- and working conditions and their own physical and psychological well-being. The integration into the South African society was shown to be difficult, as many irregular migrants didn't feel welcome and were afraid due to the xenophobic attacks, which occurred in 2008. Despite their vulnerable situation, the research also found that they used strategies, as seeking asylum and finding work, which showed that they were active agents of change, trying to improve their difficult situation. (Less)

@misc{2543811,
abstract = {This research draws attention to the way irregular migrants in South Africa experience their journey towards a better life, the vulnerability they face, and their capacity to adapt and to be agents of change. Qualitative interviews were held with 10 irregular migrant women, which were analyzed through an analytical framework of vulnerability and agency, while keeping a focus on their illegal migrant status (irregular migrant). The research showed that their experience was highly affected by the irregular status, and the precarious and vulnerable situation they lived in. Not having a passport or permit to work impacted their journey into the country, their living- and working conditions and their own physical and psychological well-being. The integration into the South African society was shown to be difficult, as many irregular migrants didn't feel welcome and were afraid due to the xenophobic attacks, which occurred in 2008. Despite their vulnerable situation, the research also found that they used strategies, as seeking asylum and finding work, which showed that they were active agents of change, trying to improve their difficult situation.},
author = {Svensson, Sara},
keyword = {irregular migration,agency,vulnerability,Zimbabwe,South Africa},
language = {eng},
note = {Student Paper},
title = {No Documents, No Rights - Exploring agency and vulnerability in the experiences of irregular migrant women from Zimbabwe in South Africa},
year = {2012},
}